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Tag: sixers

  • The Sixers’ 2024 Playoff Picture – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    The Sixers’ 2024 Playoff Picture – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    With the regular season over, the Sixers’ road to the Finals starts this Wednesday against the Heat in the play-in tournament.

    Since Embiid’s return, the Sixers have gone 8-0, including two games without Embiid.

    It’s no secret that he brings a boost to this team. As long as he can stay healthy, they have a shot at making a serious run.

    How’s the Knee?

    In a game against the Orlando Magic a few days ago, all Sixers fans had a scare. After driving to the basket and getting his own rebound, Embiid, wincing in pain, asked for a timeout and immediately headed to the locker room. Everyone watching probably had the same thought: here we go again. 

    To everyone’s surprise, Embiid returned to the game in the second half and continued doing his thing. Afterward, when Nick Nurse was asked about the status of Embiid’s knee, he said the knee “responded well.” So take that for what you will, but it was a good sign seeing Embiid return in the second half.

    Two Possible Matchups

    After they take care of business tomorrow against the Heat, they will match up against the Knicks. The Knicks went 3-1 against the Sixers this year, but they are both very different teams now than they were before. 

    Similarly, these two teams lost a star player in the latter half of the season, but the Knicks handled it much better. We all know what happened when Embiid went down, but the Knicks catapulted to the 2-seed in the absence of Julius Randle. Some may say the Knicks have a better chance without him, but not against the Sixers. Julius Randle has a rare combo of weight and speed that has caused trouble for the Sixers in the past. They do have some players more suitable to guard him now than last year, but I like our chances better without him.

    The Boston Celtics

    If the Sixers have Finals aspirations, then the Celtics shouldn’t scare them, but it’s more complicated than that. Lots of people are choosing the Celtics to not only win the East, but win the Finals as well. They are a great team and hold the NBA’s best record this year – by far. Normally, I’d say bring on the Celtics; we have to get them out of the way eventually, but not with the team chemistry we have now. When Embiid went down the team changed a lot, and teams need to be firing on all cylinders to beat the Celtics.

    The Celtics already beat the Sixers in 7 last year, and now they’re better. Now, they have Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday providing extra offensive threats. With two big men that can shoot (Porzingis and Horford), Embiid won’t have the privilege of camping down in the paint, anchoring the defense.

    With their other two stars, Tatum and Brown, the Celtics match up well against every team in the league. Not many teams have the athleticism, length, and interior defense to handle the caliber of players that the Celtics have. I think with the new additions of Oubre, Batum, and Lowry, the Sixers can beat this team in a tough series, but they need a few series to figure things out and build chemistry.

    What’s Different for the Sixers this year?

    First: Nick Nurse and not that scrub Glen Rivers (we already have two “Docs” in Philly. He’s not one of them). Nick Nurse is a great head coach with recent playoff experience that doesn’t involve choking leads. Watching Nurse’s offense for five minutes shows me how much of an upgrade we have at head coach. Rivers was stubborn. He wouldn’t change his defenses up or strategize his offensive scheme to expose weaker players. Nurse adapts. He switches his defense, targets other players, feeds the hot hands, and lets the players play to their strengths. He will help a lot, especially in a playoff series.

    Second: Joel Embiid has fresh(ish) legs. He just had surgery on his meniscus, but he obviously took rehab seriously to work on what he could. His shot is falling; he added a floater for a few games, and his defense hasn’t changed. As long as there are no more freak injuries like a broken face, torn thumb, another knee injury, etc., we’re in good shape and can beat any team in the league.

    Not one player in the NBA can hold Embiid down.
    It’s his time to build his legacy.

    Photo: Yong Kim

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    Collin Benjamin

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  • Philadelphia Sixers color announcer Alaa Abdelnaby shares his inspiring story

    Philadelphia Sixers color announcer Alaa Abdelnaby shares his inspiring story

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    He’s one of the voices synonymous with the Philadephia 76ers. He’s the outgoing and fun-loving color analyst for the team, Alaa Abdelnaby.

    Abdelnaby sits courtside for every game as he describes the action for all who are watching on NBC Sports Philadelphia.

    He is Arab and Muslim in an industry where almost no one has his same background.

    “When I was young, I used to tell people my name was Al, cause I just wanted to fit in. And Alaa in 73 and 74 was just a little too different for the youngsters. Now the world has changed,” he told NBC10.

    His story is like many other immigrants who come to the United States looking for a better life. Abdelnaby came to the country from Alexandria, Egypt.

    He told NBC10 that he used sports for acceptance, desperately wanting to fit in with others in his school and community.

    Sports is also how he first fell in love with the microphone.

    “After my baseball, little league baseball games were over, I’d run up to the booth and announce the games. Yeah, and now I remember how ridiculous that is because why would you let a fifth grader in front of the mic?” he joked.

    Even though his love for sports continued to grow, his mom and dad had other visions for his future. They saw him as a doctor, but as he stretched out in height to stand tall at 6 feet, Abdelnaby says they slowly allowed him to follow his dreams.

    “Growing up, they didn’t come to games. They had two other kids to raise. I don’t think they even wanted to encourage me. If I came then I’m approving of this. So you go to do your thing. And at times, I wanted them there ’cause other parents were there,” he explained.

    On the court, he excelled and eventually earned a scholarship to Duke University. Eventually, he was drafted in the first round by the Portland Trailblazers in 1990. But still, no matter where he went, he still felt that sense of wanting to belong.

    “I think it’s been my underlying desire all my life to fit in. I’m fortunate basketball has been a vehicle that has attracted, for the most part, people to me positively,” Abdelnaby said.

    He has now found a home and enjoys the responsibility of being one of the few Arab and Muslim voices in the game of basketball.

    As they say, success is a beautiful thing, and it’s safe to say that his mom and dad agree.

    “They don’t miss a game to this day. When at the beginning, I couldn’t get them to one. But they embraced it wholeheartedly,” he said.

    Abdelnaby is changing minds and perceptions while having no trouble fitting in anymore.

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    Emily Rose Grassi and Aaron Baskerville

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  • The Embiid Effect – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    The Embiid Effect – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Everybody knows the Sixers’ hype died down after Embiid suffered a meniscus injury.
    Everyone also had a lot of doubts about when he would return: Would he be healthy? In shape? Will he get injured again? etc.’

    While we can’t overlook some of those doubts, he has already proven he can still be at the top of his game even after missing an extended period of time.

    The team already looks brand new after just a few games back.

    Biggest Beneficiaries

    First off, the whole team obviously has a confidence boost after seeing Embiid take the floor and return to his dominant form.

    There’s no question that any team would have their spirits lifted tremendously when the reigning MVP returns to action, but certain players will improve more than others upon his return.

    Tyrese Maxey

    Maxey reaps the greatest rewards out of anybody else on the team. Although they’ve played just two games back together again, you can’t help but see the freedom that Embiid gives Maxey. It’s no secret that speed is Maxey’s greatest weapon, and when teams can constantly double-team him, it is hard for him to get moving – especially for a player his size.

    With Embiid back, the defensive focus instantly shifts. Teams can no longer afford to double-team Maxey because they are busily double-teaming (sometimes triple-teaming) Embiid. Now, Maxey can scream through the lane for easy buckets or use his lethal step-back move to hit 3s, demoralizing other teams.

    Maxey is easily Embiid’s best number two in his whole career. They complement each other so well.

    Kelly Oubre Jr.

    In his last four games, Oubre Jr. has averaged 21.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3 assists, all significantly more than his season averages. When Embiid gets doubled, Oubre Jr. does well, placing himself in the dunker’s spot, where Embiid can quickly fire a pass over to him for an easy dunk.

    Other than Ben Simmons (who would pass on that shot), the Sixers haven’t had a player who could get quick elevation for intimidating dunks like Oubre Jr. in a long time. He has a way of switching the momentum and sparking runs with his explosive play.

    The Fans

    Whether it’s on the radio, TV, or talking with friends/family, nobody has cared about the Sixers recently. The home games have been subdued, and nobody wants to discuss them. Now, the juice is back. Embiid is the Luke Skywalker to the Sixers: our only hope. With him back, all balance can be restored to the process, and the Sixers could possibly win their first title in over 40 years.

    Playoff Picture

    With just three games left on the schedule, the Sixers find themselves one game behind the Pacers for the 6-seed and .5 games ahead of the Heat, holding down the 7-seed. The Sixers do not hold any of the tie-breakers with either team, so they need to finish a full game ahead of each team to lock in their spot.

    The two most likely opponents in the first round (after the play-in because that doesn’t count as a round in my book) are the Bucks or the Magic. Either one of those teams can end up as the second seed, and there is no reason the Sixers should lose the play-in game, putting them in the 2 vs. 7 seed game.

    Neither of those teams should scare anybody. The Bucks were 30-13 when they fired Adrian Griffin and then hired the incompetent coach, Glenn Rivers, to take his place. He has gone 15-17 in his tenure as Bucks Head coach. I really hope we get to play the Bucks.

    The Magic are a good team, but they are led by a second-year star, Paolo Banchero. Young teams typically struggle in the playoffs—especially against good, experienced teams like the Sixers. For the record, the Sixers went 2-0 against the Magic this year.

    The Sixers are a nightmare matchup for any of the higher-seeded teams.

    The Play-in

    A lot of people want to avoid the play-in, but why? If this Sixers team is good enough to make a run, then nobody should worry about any of the 8-10-seeded teams, and if they can’t handle a game against those teams, they have no business in the playoffs. It could give them some needed momentum and added time to gain chemistry before playing the better teams.

    Legacy Building

    Embiid could retire today and enter the NBA Hall of Fame, but that’s not what he wants. Right now, he’s an all-time Sixers great, but he could become one of the top five Philly athletes ever with a championship under his belt.

    Nobody would be angry with him about his injuries anymore.

    He is finally 100% healthy coming into the playoffs, and he’s rested. He needs to put it all together to make a run.
    The pieces are set around him to succeed this year—a good combination of veteran and young players, as well as a coach with championship experience.
    Let’s see what you can do, big man.

    Photo: Matt Slocum

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    Collin Benjamin

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  • Kings head coach Mike Brown honors Domantas Sabonis’ milestone after 108-96 win over 76ers

    Kings head coach Mike Brown honors Domantas Sabonis’ milestone after 108-96 win over 76ers

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    SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KTXL) – Kings head coach Mike Brown shares his observations of Monday’s 108-96 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, the milestone from Domantas Sabonis who made history with his 54th consecutive double-double, which is the most since the NBA/ABA merger in 1976-77, as well as the impact from Davion Mitchell, who helped lead another impressive defensive effort from Sacramento.

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    Sean Cunningham

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  • Maxey Propels Sixers to 6-Seed – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    Maxey Propels Sixers to 6-Seed – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    After a few disappointing games, the Sixers rebounded against a bad Charlotte team which catapulted them to a victory over the Miami Heat. This game had huge playoff implications, with the Heat now at the 8 seed – one game behind the Sixers.

    Maxey’s Big Games

    After a sad performance against the Knicks, Maxey came back strong with 30 points in each of the last 3 games, with last night’s game against the Heat as his best. He tallied 10 assists to give him a double-double, while approaching a triple double with 8 rebounds. Maxey continues to grow and succeed while Embiid isn’t playing.

    Against the Bucks on Thursday, when the rest of the team failed to compete, Maxey kept the Sixers within reach up until the final minutes of the game. Nobody would have thought the Sixers could contend with the Bucks without Embiid, but Maxey is becoming such a special player that could possibly take the leap to superstar status within the next few years.

    After the Bucks, other Sixers players stepped up and brought energy to the Sixers so Maxey’s efforts would not be in vain.

    How can the Sixers win?

    Defense.

    The Sixers can’t replace 35 ppg with Embiid missing time, so they can only win if they keep the other team from scoring a lot. This team is not built to win shootouts without their best player, scoring approximately 13 points less per game without their big man.

    When holding their opponent to less than 100 points, the Sixers are undefeated this season. Players like Oubre, Batum, Lowry, Bamba, and Reed won’t light up the scoreboard much, but they have the tools to play some stifling defense.

    Batum’s Impact

    Nico Batum never has a flashy stat line, but when watching him, you can’t help but notice the impact he makes on the team. He’s never flustered and doesn’t make stupid plays. He knows where to be and how to deliver the ball cleanly to open teammates. He’s also long, which help him disrupt the opposing offense even if he’s not getting a steal or block.

    Just yesterday, against the Heat, Batum had a great block in the final minutes of the first half which led to a long outlet pass for a Kyle Lowry and-1. This gave the Sixers some good momentum going into the half.

    He only finished with 2 points, but his veteran impact is extremely invaluable to this young squad.

    Looking Forward

    The main goal is to stay out of the play-in tournament. Without Embiid, this team is obviously not playoff-caliber, but they need to remain competitive to make sure they don’t have extra games before the real playoffs begin, and they will give themselves an easier matchup against the Cavs or the Knicks.

    The rest of the schedule is not the easiest, with only five of the remaining 14 games at home. Their strength of schedule is right in the middle of the pack, but they always struggle on long road trips, especially on the west coast.

    Hopefully Embiid can come back soon and get in shape before the playoffs start. If he plays, there is still hope to do some damage and become the first 5, 7, or 8 seed to win the finals.

     

     

    Picture from NBA.com

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    Collin Benjamin

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  • This is Still the Same Tobias – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    This is Still the Same Tobias – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Let’s all just take a chill pill on Tobias Harris. I get it. He scored a lot of points the last two games and was a significant factor in the Sixers getting two good wins. He played great. The only problem is, he has done this his whole time with the Sixers and his whole career before that.

    Last 10 Games

    Minus these last two games, Harris has scored over 20 points just one time. He averaged just 13 points per game in that 8-game stretch before games against the Hornets and the Mavs. Then, when you put those two games into the averages, voila, that average shoots up to over 16 ppg. 16 ppg is great, but the inconsistency kills.

    Career Numbers

    Over his career, he has averaged 16.3 ppg on around 47% shooting and a respectable 36.9% from 3. If that doesn’t tell you all you need to know, then I’m not sure what will. Those are essentially the exact number that he has put up over the last 10 games. Decent averages does not mean a good player. He has made a living from sub-par play boosted by the occasional 2-5 game stretch of good basketball that inflates his numbers to make him seem like a much better player than he is.

    This season, he averages 17.6 points per game, 50% field goal, and 35.6% from 3. These are the same numbers! He is who he is and there’s no changing that.

    Common Misconceptions

    There’s a state going around that says the Sixers are 98-47 when Harris scored 20 or more points. OK? I bet most teams win more than they lose when more players score more points. That’s just common sense. The problem with that stat is: he’s played 362 games. He has scored 20 or more points in just 145/362 games. Broken down, that equals approximately 2 out of every 5 games. That’s not good enough for a near-max contract player.

    Also, some people say “Tobias Harris can’t score like he used to anymore. He’s getting old.”

    No he’s not.

    Just look at his career numbers. They are the same this year as they have been every year. It’s not that he isn’t the player he was with us just a couple years ago. It’s that he isn’t sharing the court with the most dominant scorer the NBA has had in years (that’s Joel Embiid if you didn’t know).

    How Much More of This?

    Luckily, this is the last year of Tobias’ contract. It’s safe to say we only have to watch this consistently inconsistent basketball for just a few more months.

    The only way two ways Tobias stays:

    • They win the NBA finals
    • He comes back on a very team friendly deal (I mean he owes us right?)

    Those are the only two conditions that could warrant this man returning to Philadelphia next season. Daryl Morey will make a huge mistake resigning him. Even if he does sign a team friendly deal, I don’t think many people will be happy with it. He will have to take a reduced role, which could be awkward, and he’d be making less money. He would be better suited playing for a bad team where he can be his inconsistent self.

     

     

    Picture from Getty Images

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    Collin Benjamin

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  • Instant observations: Tobias Harris breaks out of slump, Sixers defeat Hornets

    Instant observations: Tobias Harris breaks out of slump, Sixers defeat Hornets

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    The Sixers made a quick stop at home Friday night for a matchup against the struggling Charlotte Hornets. It was a timely opponent for a Sixers team desperate for a win, and they took care of business, defeating the Hornets 121-114. Here is what jumped out from the victory:

    Nick Nurse makes big changes

    With Joel Embiid, De’Anthony Melton and Kelly Oubre Jr. all out for this contest, the Sixers’ head coach took the opportunity to get creative and change up his starting five. Nurse made some radical adjustments: he started Kyle Lowry alongside Tyrese Maxey, slid Buddy Hield up to the three, and replaced Paul Reed in the starting lineup with Mo Bamba. The Sixers’ starting unit in this one — Maxey, Lowry, Hield, Tobias Harris and Bamba — had never spent one single possession on the floor together before this one tipped off.

    Nurse has remained adamant that Nic Batum would be a long-term starter, as his several talents are tailor-made for someone who is rounding out a star-centric unit. But Batum returned to the bench Friday night. It is unclear how much of this is performance-based — Batum has struggled to leave a lasting impact on games since returning from another lengthy absence due to injury — and how much of this is about protecting him from missing time down the line. But it is certainly notable that Batum, who at one point seemed like a lock to start for the remainder of the season, has been returned to the bench after a period of regression.

    For as long as Embiid is out, Nurse is justified in experimenting with his lineups, because nothing has stuck since the reigning NBA MVP went down with his left meniscus injury. As the Sixers focus on maintaining their standing in the Eastern Conference’s top six seeds — and bypassing the NBA’s Play-In Tournament — Nurse must figure out how to maximize the capabilities of his injury-ridden roster.

    First Quarter

    • Harris got off to a nice start in this one, giving the Sixers a solid first eight minutes or so. He scored eight points, grabbed two rebounds and collected an assist, including knocking down two of his four attempts from beyond the arc, before checking back in and the end of the period and scoring twice more, including a buzzer beater three, to get to 13 points in the first 12 minutes. The Sixers have been desperate for Harris to break out of what has been possibly his single worst slump in five-plus years as a member of the team. With Embiid out, they have needed their veteran wing scorer to step up. Instead, he has been largely disastrous. The Sixers hope his nice start to this one can help him escape the struggles that have been plaguing him for weeks.

    • The most impressive aspect of Buddy Hield’s tremendous opening to his Sixers tenure was his playmaking. Just as much as he was knocking down tough shots, he was creating looks for others consistently — something he had never done very well in the NBA. Just as his shooting percentages have dipped in recent games, his assist numbers have gone down. Well, in the first quarter of this game he dished out four assists. His ability to leverage the attention defenses pay him because of his threatening nature as a three-point shooter into better looks for his teammates has been impressive.

    Second Quarter

    • After a solid defensive quarter in the first, the Sixers’ defense fell off a cliff in the opening minutes of the second period. First against a small-ball lineup with Harris and Batum manning the middle, and then against a lineup with Bamba at the five, the Hornets were getting to the rim with little deterrence and finishing there just as easily. For all of his flaws, the Embiid-less Sixers are at their best on the defensive end of the floor when Reed is in the game.

    • Ricky Council IV is clearly a ridiculous athlete, so much that just about every time he checks into the game he seems to make at least one play that impresses. In this one, he finally got the poster dunk he was longing for: Council duped a defender with a pass fake, opened up a driving lane and threw down an absolutely massive slam over Grant Williams. Council’s leaping ability is absolutely outrageous: 

    • After going down due to their poor interior defense and a hot shooting stretch from the Hornets, the Sixers put together an impressive run, led by Hield and punctuated by a three from Lowry. It was a much-needed spurt, as the Sixers were down by as many as a dozen in the middle of the quarter.

    • Before the trade deadline, it felt like the Sixers could really use another heady player who makes good decisions. Fast forward, and they have Lowry, simply a brilliant basketball mind who is leaving a significant impact on every game with both his play and his mind. It is more apparent than ever just how much the Sixers needed someone like him. A funny anecdote: as he was being replaced by Cam Payne in the final minutes of the first half, Lowry refused to leave the floor until each of his teammates on the floor had acknowledged the play he had called — a “Horns” set that the team frequents. Lowry finally stepped to the bench and continue to direct traffic on the possession from across the floor — and, yes, the Sixers did score on the possession.

    Third Quarter

    • It was more of the same from Harris early in the second half, a fantastic sign. He was able to continue scoring efficiently in a variety of ways, whether it be from beyond the arc, at the rim or in the intermediate area. At this point, even a half-decent game from Harris would have been an encouraging sign. Instead, he went above and beyond, truly leaving his mark on the game for the vast majority of the contest. The Sixers surely hope this performance can serve as a turning point of sorts for their $180 million man.

    • When you think about great shooters in the NBA, you think about the catch-and-shoot triples first and foremost. Maybe, if you are lucky, your best shooter can run around a bunch of screens and fire away while on the move. And then there are the truly great launchers: guys who can create their own shots from beyond the arc all on their own. And while Hield has never been thought of as an on-ball generator of offense, in addition to the aforementioned shot creation for others, he has displayed the ability to knock down off-the-dribble threes. Hield truly is an elite three-point shooter in every possible fashion.

    Fourth Quarter

    • Maxey received some rest in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, and it was clear that these minutes would be pivotal. The Sixers went to a lineup led by Lowry and Payne as ball-handlers, with Harris and Batum on the wing and Reed in the middle. That grouping gave Nurse excellent minutes: Harris and Lowry created timely offense, Batum knocked down his first three of the game and Reed was a stalwart at the rim. Those minutes could have easily sunk the Sixers. Instead, they propelled them.

    • Given Batum’s recent struggles, it was a significant encouraging sign to see him give the Sixers solid minutes, particularly in the second half. Batum did a little bit of everything, as he does when at the top of his game. It remains to be seen whether he will be a starter long-term or if he will be relegated to a bench role, but either way he figures to be a significant piece of the Sixers’ puzzle for the remainder of the season.

    • Reed has similarly not been himself of late, and so maybe there is something to him having his best game in recent memory Friday night after being returned to the bench. What matters much more than who starts a game is who logs the most minutes. Anecdotally, it feels as if Reed consistently gives the Sixers better minutes when coming off the bench. One thing is for sure: for as long as Embiid is unavailable, it remains crucial that Reed gives the Sixers quality production at the center position. On Friday night he did, and it was a major reason the Sixers were able to nab a victory. 

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    Adam Aaronson

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  • The Sixers have a Chemistry Problem – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    The Sixers have a Chemistry Problem – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    The Sixers don’t know how to play basketball without Joel Embiid. Granted, he’s a great player, but they look dysfunctional and disorganized without him. They’ve only won 7 out of 23 games. This situation gave players an opportunity to get some extra playing time to prove themselves and get aggressive on offense, but some have squandered this opportunity.

    Biggest Woe

    Tobias Harris remains the biggest problem on the Sixers. Imagine the difference his $184 million could have made on legitimately any other player or players in the league. He wastes space on the floor and continually kills the team with his inconsistency and lack of aggression on offense. This time without Embiid should have opened up more opportunities for him to score and get into a rhythm, but he accomplished quite the opposite.

    Many words can describe Harris’ performance against the Bucks and the Knicks, but disgraceful seems to do the job best. In both games he scored less than 10 points and had at least a -11 +/-. For a guy that should be the second option with Embiid out, he sure does not live up to it. It really is a shame.

    Chemistry Issues

    Not that this should come as a surprise to anyone, but the Sixers have not looked like a unit with the big man continuing his rehab. Not only did the Sixers lose the player with the highest usage percentage in the NBA (unofficially because he does not meet the minutes restriction), they also slightly revamped their roster.

    Buddy Hield has had a very good start with the Sixers, but that hasn’t translated into a winning formula so far. He’s had relatively high usage at 20.9%. Even with a good player, that will no doubt provide chemistry issues with any team. This isn’t necessarily a negative thing, but it isn’t a glaring positive at the moment. I have no worry that he will really help this team moving forward, but in the meantime, they need to figure things out.

    Another new trade acquisition, Cam Payne, also has a high usage percentage with the team at 21.8%. This brings the same chemistry issues. He has provided a spark off the bench here and there, but nothing earth-shattering. He doesn’t turn the ball over much, but any point guard with a new team needs time to gel.

    Moving Forward

    Ideally, the Sixers can build chemistry and keep themselves out of the play-in game while Embiid nurses himself to full health. The team can’t afford to rush Embiid back before he’s fully healthy, so they need to hold down the fort in the meantime.

    Hopefully, when Embiid returns, he can plug right in and boost the team back into championship contention with the new pieces around him. It would devastate the team and their playoff hopes if he comes back and the chemistry resets. Embiid is such a talent so playing with him shouldn’t be too hard, but not many teams can win it all with plug and play players that don’t have chemistry.

    Hield’s fit with Embiid

    During this time of “hanging in there,” Nick Nurse should evaluate the play styles of his new players which hopefully he can use to game plan for Embiid’s return. Obviously he’s familiar with Embiid’s game and Lowry’s as well, but Hield could prove a fantastic fit with Embiid.

    With Hield’s incredible catch-and-shoot ability, a formulated two-man game between him and Embiid could prove to be lethal against any team they play against. Mix that in with Maxey and they could become the new three headed monster that we all hoped we had with Simmons, Fultz, and Embiid.

    Obviously, this fully revolves around Embiid’s availability and his fitness level. We will have to eagerly wait for the next Embiid update to decide if we can start to hope for the playoffs or expect another disappointing ending.

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    Collin Benjamin

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  • Instant observations: Sixers nab critical victory over Cavaliers

    Instant observations: Sixers nab critical victory over Cavaliers

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    Looking to rebound after Thursday night’s home loss to the New York Knicks, the Sixers returned to their floor Friday night for a national television matchup against the Eastern Conference’s second seed, the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were without All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell. After a back-and-forth contest, the Sixers were able to do just enough to come away with a victory, 104-97. Here is what stood out most from the win:

    First Quarter

    • De’Anthony Melton, who had not played since Jan. 12, missed 18 consecutive games before returning to action in this one. Melton’s minutes were monitored as he came off the bench, and Sixers head coach Nick Nurse indicated that Melton’s role — not just whether he starts or comes off the bench long-term, but also what functions he performs on each end of the floor — is up in the air, as Nurse identifies new combinations and permutations with which this adjusted roster can succeed. 

    • Meanwhile, however, Kyle Lowry missed this game — the second leg of the back-to-back — as he continued to ramp up his conditioning after not playing for an extended period of time in between being traded to and bought out by the Charlotte Hornets. Nurse implied Lowry’s usage would likely be normal moving forward, but he was unavailable in this one after impressing in his Sixers debut.

    • Nurse opted to once again roll with Mo Bamba as his backup center Friday night, despite receiving some less-than-ideal production from the big-man in recent weeks. Bamba was able to have one of his better stints in recent memory in the first quarter. Bamba blocked a pair of shots, finished a bucket around the rim and dished out a couple of assists. It was nothing special, but certainly a step in the right direction for a player who desperately needed some sort of positive momentum.

    • After KJ Martin picked up two early fouls, two-way wing Ricky Council IV was reinserted into Nurse’s rotation — and Council was immediately thrown into the fire, being assigned the difficult task of tailing Cavaliers star point guard Darius Garland. It remains to be seen whether or not Council’s contract will be converted to a standard NBA deal, but it does say something about the team’s view of him as a defender that they already rely on him to take on difficult matchups like this one.

    Second Quarter

    • Cam Payne — back in the rotation due to Lowry’s absence — knocked down a trio of early triples in this one, giving the Sixers some much-needed juice on the offensive end of the floor. One would imagine that Payne is facing an uphill battle in his fight for consistent playing time with Tyrese Maxey and Lowry cemented in the rotation, but given Lowry’s ability to defend above his height and above his weight class, Nurse suggested it is possible for the team to run some unorthodox, small lineups featuring three guards as a vehicle to keep Payne in the rotation. 

    • Tobias Harris continued his recent struggles early on in this one, missing six of his first eight looks, playing with increasing levels of frustration. Those recent struggles certainly seem like they have him pressing a bit, and the consistent murmurs and boos in the crowd are only getting louder. The Sixers need Harris to get right, and they need it to happen sooner rather than later.

    • Martin had a solid second quarter stint, finishing around the rim with his left hand twice on as many attempts and pulling five rebounds. What his exact role playing consistently on a very good team would be remains in question, but his athleticism allows him to make plays that most guys simply cannot make, and that alone continues to make him intriguing.

    Third Quarter

    • The Sixers were able to build some separation early in the third quarter — thanks to triples from Harris, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Buddy Hield — but after Cavaliers head coach JB Bickerstaff called a timeout, his squad quickly brought the deficit back down to just a few points. It was the story of much of this game: neither team was able to pull ahead by more than a few points for more than a minute or two at a time. 

    • Nic Batum was declared available for this matchup after being listed as questionable pregame. But despite being dressed, the veteran never played in this one, clearly only actually being available in case of an emergency. His absence allowed for extended minutes for Martin and Payne, among others.

    • The Sixers shot very few free throws in this one, but found themselves the beneficiaries of trips to the line because the Cavaliers simply could not convert from the charity stripe. Cleveland might have been able to take control of the game if they knocked down a regular amount of their tries from the free throw line. Instead, they were generous to a Philadelphia crowd which ambitions to redeem free chicken nuggets.

    Fourth Quarter

    • Rebounding has been one of the Sixers’ biggest weaknesses since Joel Embiid went down, and they were able to rectify that at least in part tonight with a stronger effort on the boards. Paul Reed in particular did a better job on the glass, which the Sixers are going to need on a consistent basis moving forward. Beyond that, it was a collective effort, with Harris, Oubre, Bamba and Martin all chipping in.

    • This one predictably went right down to the wire, with the Sixers ultimately pulling away in the final moments thanks to crucial shots from Maxey and Hield. It marks their second recent victory over a tremendous Cavaliers team — and while they were without Mitchell in this one, the Sixers were, of course, missing an even more significant piece in Embiid. Even a short-handed Cleveland team is a good one, and the Sixers are desperate to “pick off” wins, as Nurse has put it, against any sort of competition.

    Follow Adam on Twitter: @SixersAdam

    Follow PhillyVoice on Twitter: @thephillyvoice

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    Adam Aaronson

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  • Report: Sixers to sign Kyle Lowry

    Report: Sixers to sign Kyle Lowry

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    According to a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Sixers are expected to sign 17-year veteran guard Kyle Lowry once Lowry completes a buyout with the Charlotte Hornets.

    Charlotte acquired Lowry via trade from the Miami Heat earlier this month along with a first-round pick in exchange for Terry Rozier. But considering Lowry is 37 years old on an expiring contract and the Hornets are a rebuilding team focused on youth, there was little incentive on either side for the two parties to stick together.

    Now Lowry, a Philadelphia native, will finally play for his hometown team after years of rumors about the team’s interest in the Villanova product. After the trade which sent Patrick Beverley to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Cameron Payne and a second-round pick, the Sixers are without a solidified option at backup point guard. Payne has had a decent season up to this point, but Lowry’s track record is far more impressive.

    In addition to returning to his hometown, this will be a reunion for Lowry, who will once again play under Nick Nurse, the Sixers’ first-year head coach who won a championship with Lowry when the two were with the Toronto Raptors.

    Lowry is averaging 8.2 points, 4.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 28.0 minutes per game this season across 37 games with the Heat — 35 of which were starts.

    Lowry can serve several roles with this Sixers team, depending on what it needs from him. He can organize an offense and distribute the ball. He can play in and off-ball role and space the floor as an impressive three-point shooter. He can still defend, particularly against bigger guards and wings, due to his tremendous strength. 

    Lowry may not be the piece that puts the Sixers over the top. But he figures to make this team much better right off the bat.



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    Adam Aaronson

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  • Instant observations: Sixers blown out at home by Warriors

    Instant observations: Sixers blown out at home by Warriors

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    Looking to “pick off” a win despite being severely short-handed, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse’s team played host to the similarly-struggling Golden State Warriors Wednesday night, and once again the Sixers were dominated on their own home floor, 127-104. Here is what jumped out from another resounding loss:

    Jaden Springer gets the start

    With Joel Embiid, De’Anthony Melton, Nic Batum, Danuel House Jr., Marcus Morris Sr. and Robert Covington all unavailable in this one, Nurse was forced to give many more minutes than he typically would to a few fringe rotation pieces. One of them, Springer, actually drew a start — and was tasked with the Stephen Curry assignment on the defensive end of the floor. 

    Springer’s NBA existence is a peculiar one — he oftentimes is forced to sit, but when he does get in the game, he is given the most difficult of assignments. 

    Springer held Curry to a scoreless first quarter, in which the former MVP shot 0-4 from the field and 0-3 from beyond the arc. Curry hit what was originally scored a four-point play opportunity over Springer, but Nurse issued a rare first quarter challenge which was successful, overturning the Curry three and Springer foul into an offensive foul by Curry.

    Curry only scored two points in the entire first half — both on free throws. He did not register a single field goal attempt in the second quarter. 

    A defensive masterclass in the first quarter

    Springer was far from the only Sixer who stepped up on the defensive end of the floor early on in this one. The entire team was in lockstep, forming a cohesive unit which shut down just about everything Golden State’s once-potent offense tried to do. 

    The Warriors scored just 15 points in the entire first frame, shooting 5-22 from the field and 1-7 from beyond the arc. Golden State missed a few good looks, but their brutal output was largely the product of a stifling Sixers defense. Paul Reed, who blocked two shots in the period, did an excellent job protecting the rim to help lead the team’s defense alongside Springer and others.

    KJ Martin produces

    Martin was another fringe rotation player Nurse was forced to rely on, but the fourth-year athletic wing gave the Sixers solid minutes in the first half. Martin scored seven points on 3-3 shooting — two buckets inside and a corner triple. As trade talks linger and escalate over the next handful of hours, it will be interesting to see how much value Martin may hold league-wide — particularly among young, rebuilding teams.

    Tyrese Maxey, offense struggle mightily in first half

    Despite their terrific defensive effort in the first 24 minutes of the game, the Sixers entered halftime trailing — all because their offense was mostly inept. Tobias Harris led the team in scoring in the first half, posting nine points on as many shot attempts. The team was a combined 19-46 (41.3 percent) from the field, while making only two of their 14 attempts from beyond the arc.

    Tyrese Maxey, who is, of course, supposed to be the engine that keeps this vehicle moving while Embiid is out, continued to struggle against blitzes out of pick-and-roll offense. There is no doubt that the first-time All-Star is a brilliant offensive player, capable of doing tremendous things as a scorer. But with Embiid off the floor, he is quickly learning how difficult it is to be the primary focus of an opposing defense. Playing alongside perhaps the most dominant force in the NBA makes things a whole lot easier for a guard like Maxey. 

    Maxey should, in theory, see more shots with Embiid out, and that should translate to more points. But first, Maxey and the Sixers have to prove they are able to consistently defeat the kind of aggressive coverages they have been seeing frequently since Embiid went down.

    More difficulties for Kelly Oubre Jr.

    Oubre has not looked like his best self in quite a while now — his three-point shots have stopped falling, and his finishing around the rim has been extremely suspect. Oubre is locked into a starting spot because of how many players are injured. But if this team ever gets fully healthy again, it must hope Oubre looks a lot more like he did early on in the season, because he has been overexposed in this role.

    Sixers dominated and put away in third quarter

    The Sixers’ third quarter performance in this one was so rough that not only did it axe any chances they had of winning the game, but it was legitimately uncomfortable to watch at times. On one end of the floor, the Warriors got hot — Andrew Wiggins, in particular, lit up the Sixers in the period with his shooting and scoring. Warriors youngster Jonathan Kuminga also took advantage of a Sixers defense that looked far less cohesive and communicative than it did in the first half.

    On the other end of the floor, the only Sixer who could pull off anything of note was Martin, who knocked down another triple and used his athleticism to generate a few chances to score at the rim. Maxey’s struggles continued, Oubre’s finishing looked even worse, Furkan Korkmaz looked unplayable, Patrick Beverley’s tricks were not working, and the entire team cratered as a result.

    In all, the Sixers were outscored by 20 — 43-23 — in the third quarter. It was a period which tanked their chances and was emblematic of all of their issues that have emerged in the absence of Embiid and the others who were unavailable. 

    The elephant in the room

    With Thursday afternoon’s NBA Trade Deadline looming, one must ask: will Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey look to be especially aggressive over the next handful of hours in giving Nurse more useful pieces to use while the team is so drastically undermanned, or — with his team plummeting in the standings and no certainty about Embiid’s return — will he play things conservatively? We will find out soon.

    Follow Adam on Twitter: @SixersAdam

    Follow PhillyVoice on Twitter: @thephillyvoice



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    Adam Aaronson

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  • Joel Embiid to undergo procedure on left knee

    Joel Embiid to undergo procedure on left knee

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    The Sixers announced Sunday night that superstar center and reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid will undergo a “corrective procedure” to repair the lateral meniscus in his left knee.

    Embiid has dealt with knee issues off and on for a few weeks, but aggravated it on Tuesday night when he dove for a loose ball and then was landed on by Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga.

    According to the Sixers, an update on Embiid’s timeline for a return will be provided following the procedure.

    According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, it is expected that Embiid will miss “extended time.”

    This is a developing story…

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    Adam Aaronson

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  • Tyrese Maxey’s career-high 51 points lead Sixers to win over Jazz

    Tyrese Maxey’s career-high 51 points lead Sixers to win over Jazz

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    In an eventful day for the Sixers — one in which Joel Embiid was diagnosed with a meniscus injury and Tyrese Maxey was named an Eastern Conference All-Star — the team took on the Utah Jazz in the final leg of their five-game road trip. The short-handed Sixers were able to fend off the young Jazz, winning 127-124. Here is what jumped out from this one:

    First Quarter

    • Maxey returned after a three-game absence due to an ankle sprain, and it is safe to say he was ready to go. Maxey scored the Sixers’ first 10 points, all in about three minutes, ultimately scoring 18 points in the first quarter alone, all while attempting nine shots. Typically, Embiid dominates in the first quarter and Maxey takes over later on. But with the reigning MVP sidelined, Maxey took on the role of the early star. He was absolutely brilliant from the outset, the best he has looked since his 50-point showing back in early November.

    • Tobias Harris was matched up with former All-Star Lauri Markkanen on both ends of the floor, and got the better of the matchup early on. Harris gives up a few inches of height against Markkanen, but has the considerable advantage as far as foot speed goes. He was able to break down Markkanen early with quick moves towards his preferred spots on the floor. Maxey and Harris combined to score all of the Sixers’ first 26 points.

    • With the Sixers missing not just Embiid, but also De’Anthony Melton, Nic Batum, Marcus Morris Sr. and Robert Covington, the team was without any sort of frontcourt depth. That meant some challenging assignments for spot-starter Danuel House Jr., who was excellent in the opening frame. House is not always able to bring his best, but when he does, he looks like a game-changer. He was outstanding on both ends of the floor early on in this one, helping the Sixers set the tone.

    Second Quarter

    • Upon checking in, Maxey got right back to work in the second quarter, scoring eight quick points. Included among those points were two triples, which — like most of the ones he hit in the first quarter — came from far beyond the three-point line. Maxey has said throughout the season that Sixers assistant coach Rico Hines has gotten on him about launching from even deeper than he usually would. That advice combined with Maxey’s excellent execution has added another dimension to his game — and on this night in particular, it enabled Maxey to finish the first half with 32 points, the most Maxey has ever scored in one half in his NBA career.

    • Sixers head coach Nick Nurse went small for the opening minutes of the second quarter, and Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy countered by using two bigs — Kelly Olynyk and Walker Kessler — who were able to capitalize on the Sixers’ lack of depth in the frontcourt. There are oftentimes advantages to going small, but coaches must also inherit the risks that come with it, particularly on the glass, where the Sixers were manhandled for a brief period of this one.

    • A Markkanen triple with 3:31 left in the first half trimmed the Sixers’ lead to one point. But over the next 271 seconds, the Sixers outscored the Jazz 13-4, thanks to some shot-making and incredibly cohesive team defense. This was a huge stretch for the Sixers, as they were able to once again establish control of the game.

    Third Quarter

    • Kelly Oubre Jr. has not shot the ball well from beyond the arc in recent weeks, though he has continued to play with the right mindset: attack the rim relentlessly and look to fill in the gaps. Oubre did a great job defensively in this one, particularly as an off-ball playmaker. When Oubre is locked in and fully engaged as a defender, he can be extremely disruptive. He deserves credit for continuing to come through on that end of the floor despite some offensive struggles.

    • It was not just a hot start for Harris — he sustained tremendous offense for most of this game, giving the Sixers plenty of timely buckets.  Harris has been terrific of late, and the Sixers are going to need nights like this from him on a regular basis while Embiid is absent.

    • The Sixers made an important run to end the third quarter as well. The run was spurred by Maxey, who scored the team’s final nine points of the period, and by Jaden Springer, who repeatedly got key stops against former Sixth Man of the Year winner Jordan Clarkson. Aside from one bad foul on the last play of the quarter, it was a strong stint for Springer. Springer took his defense to another level against Clarkson early in the fourth, quickly frustrating the veteran scoring aficionado.

    Fourth Quarter

    • Perhaps the only plus of Tuesday night’s loss in Golden State was the play of Furkan Korkmaz, who scored 19 points. Korkmaz gave them a massive lift in that game, and in the fourth quarter of this one he hit an incredibly difficult three to beat the shot clock buzzer, and then went to his patented reverse jam in transition a moment later. 

    • Because Korkmaz was in a groove, Springer was dominating Clarkson and all of the Sixers’ bigs were not playing well, Nurse went super small, going to Harris at the five with Oubre, Korkmaz, Springer and Maxey. It was a fascinating experiment that largely yielded positive results.

    • Oubre was finally able to get going from beyond the arc in the fourth, knocking down back-to-back timely triples to keep the Sixers in front, and then hitting another key shot from beyond the arc later in the quarter. He entered this game shooting just 20 percent from beyond the arc on 3.6 attempts per game over his last 10 contests. Him giving the Sixers the kind of three-point shooting that they saw from him early in the season would change things for the team’s offense.

    • Close games often come down to shot-making. And down the stretch, it was the Jazz who were able to knock down the biggest shots, not the Sixers. And so, despite having the best player on the floor and controlling most of the game, the Sixers seemed primed for yet another tough loss. But the Sixers just kept pushing. Maxey hit yet another 30-footer to tie the game with a minute and change remaining. And then Patrick Beverley, quiet for most of the night as a scorer, took a corner three with a chance take the lead with 40 seconds left in the game. And… cash. After that came clutch free throws from Harris and Maxey. Ballgame.

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    Adam Aaronson

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  • Should Joel Embiid’s Knee Injury Worry The 76ers? – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    Should Joel Embiid’s Knee Injury Worry The 76ers? – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    To answer the question at hand, we channel our inner Stone Cold Steve Austin for an “Oh Hell Yeah!”

    So, before jumping into the obvious, it is important to take note of a couple of factors surrounding Joel Embiid and his health history. Most NBA fans are aware that “The Process” was sidelined with a foot injury that sidelined him for the first two years of his NBA career. 

    In fact, Embiid and the sidelines have become good friends since he entered the league as part of the 2014 NBA Draft, playing in just 31, 63, 64, 51, 51, 68, 66, and, as of this writing, 34 games (this season). 

    A five-time All-NBA, six-time All-Star, and last season’s Most Valuable Player, the Sixers’ big man is the focal point of a team that has been among preseason title contenders since his arrival but has yet to advance past the second round of the playoffs. 

    Extent Of Injury

    Although the Sixers reshuffled the deck by moving perennial All-Star James Harden to the LA Clippers for what amounted to four little-used role players and a number of draft picks and draft pick swaps, Philadelphia has still managed to remain among the top teams in the Eastern Conference for most of the first half of the season. Thanks in large part to Embiid’s stellar play. 

    With concern to the recent injury to Embiid’s knee, which only worsened during Tuesday night’s game against the Golden State Warriors, many believe that the Sixers’ star may have felt pressured into playing through his injury after yet another DNP against Nikola Jokic when the Sixers traveled to Denver to face the Nuggets, who are the best team in Denver basketball leagues according to ClutchBuzz and also the current NBA champions.

    Although Embiid had taken to the court for a pre-game workout, it would be deemed less than thirty minutes before tip-off that his leg was not in optimal playing shape. 

    Two nights later, the Sixers took on the lowly Portland Trail Blazers, trotting out a shell of their starting roster, which resulted in a 130-104 pounding by the fourth-worst team in the league. Had Philadelphia been playing with a healthy lineup, likely would have seen the score reversed. 

    Embiid’s Absence Impact

    Photo: —

    Taking on the Golden State Warriors, a team that hasn’t had a significant presence in the paint since Andrew Bogut played in 2015-16, it seemed as though Embiid would have a relatively easy night. Matched up against Draymond Green, Dario Saric, and Kevon Looney for most of his thirty minutes on the floor, Embiid’s night came to an end early, finishing with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. 

    The Sixers’ 119-107 loss would mark the first time in 22 games that Embiid failed to reach the 30-point mark. Still, more importantly, it would see Embiid hobble off the floor after Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga accidentally landed on his left knee while the two were fighting for a loose ball. 

    Although Sixers’ coach Nick Nurse stated after the game that the injury had no relation to the one that kept Embiid on the sideline for two straight games and hobbling from time to time against the Warriors, Philly fans can only hold their breath and hope that the issue will not be long term. Thankfully, the team has built enough of a cushion that they should not fall too far in the Eastern Conference standings. 

    Who Can Cover For Joel?

    Should Embiid be sidelined for an extended period of time, Philadelphia would be forced to rely on a combination of Paul Reed and Mo Bamba to patrol the paint, not exactly a pair of big men who highlight opponents’ scouting reports. Sure, Reed had a 30 and 13 night against Jokic and the Nuggets, but that is certainly not the norm for the fourth-year pro, who averages 6.2 points and 4.9 rebounds. 

    Throwing Bamba into the fire likely wouldn’t provide much more as the New York-born big man has struggled with injuries of his own over the past few seasons and is currently averaging 4 points and 3 boards. Combined, the two pale compared to the 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists that The Process provides. 

    Looking ahead at the Sixers’ schedule heading into the All-Star break, matchups with Brooklyn (Nic Claxton), Dallas (Derek Lively), Cleveland (Jarrett Allen), and Miami (Bam Adebayo) provide Philadelphia with the toughest big men matchups should Embiid be sidelined for a duration of time. 

    Prior to Embiid’s injury, the focus of the Sixers’ trade deadline talk had centered around adding a guard/wing threat such as Zach LaVine, Royce O’Neale, Bojan, or Bogdan Bogdanovic (not related), Keldon Johnson or Dorian Finney-Smith. An extended Embiid absence, which will be known more following his MRI (scheduled for Wednesday), could mean that the Sixers’ management redirected their trade focus to pick up more depth in the paint. 

    Names In The Trade List

    Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of impactful names on the trade block that the Sixers’ are likely to get due to cap reasons and fit. Nikola Vucevic (Bulls) is too expensive, Jalen Smith and Isaiah Jackson (Pacers) won’t move the needle much more than Reed and Bamba, 

    Atlanta’s Clint Capela could be an interesting get if the Hawks are blowing things up, as he is on an expiring contract next season. The Washington Wizards are terrible and could be willing to part with Daniel Gafford. Same with Utah’s Kelly Olynyk. 

    As for Embiid’s personal accolades this season, any thought of a back-to-back MVP is out the window as he has only played in 34 games and would have to play in 31 of the Sixers’ remaining 34 games to reach the newly instated minimum 65 game mark set by the NBA.

    After being one of the top two candidates, during the first half of the season, the award at this point should be neither Embiid nor the Sixers’ main focus moving forward. 

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  • Sixers Flirting with Dangerous Territory – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    Sixers Flirting with Dangerous Territory – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Don’t get me wrong, the Sixers are having a great season. It has been incredibly fun to watch after the less than optimal start to the season. Nick Nurse has been refreshing, and Embiid has played so well that I almost forgot James Harden was on the team this year; however, they still only sit at the third seed in the east with the Knicks close behind.

    History of NBA Champions’ Seeding

    Teams that finish the regular season with the 1 seed are the obvious favorites to win the NBA Finals. Teams with the 1 seed have made the finals 89 times, the 2 seed – 39 times, 3 seed – 16 times, 4 seed – 5 times, and the 5-8 seeds combined have made it 5 times.

    So, historically, teams that fall out of the top 3 have a very tough time getting to the NBA finals. The Sixers are finding themselves falling into that territory right now. Between the rocky start with new players and a new coach, and Embiid missing his usual lot of games, they could find themselves as the road team in the second round of the playoffs if they aren’t careful.

    What’s Gone Wrong So Far?

    As usual, Joel Embiid has missed a ton of games so far this season. 12 to be exact. If he misses 5 more games, he will be ineligible to receive MVP even though he has dominated the league more than anyone has in years. This isn’t a “bash Embiid” session, but the big man needs to find a way to stay healthy. Home court advantage gives teams major advantages in the playoffs – as seen above.

    Oubre and Melton have also missed 14 and 12 games respectively. These two should contribute heavily to this team, but with them missing so much time it has forced Nick Nurse to give more minutes to Korkmaz, Springer, and Martin, who will most certainly not see much time in the playoffs. These guys need to stay healthy to develop the chemistry needed for the playoffs and to give the team a boost to get better seeding before April 20th comes around.

    A handful of others players have also missed a few games including Maxey, Tobias, Batum, and Beverly. Hopefully the team is getting the injury bug over with earlier so they can dominate down the road.

    What’s Gone Right?

    The Centers

    First off: Paul Reed.

    Out of all the injuries the Sixers have had, Reed has not missed a game. I don’t know why Glen Rivers hated this guy so much, but now that he has firmly taken the backup center position, he has done a great job. He is averaging career highs in points, rebounds, blocks, and assists this year. It is nice to see him get a real chance.

    Also, even though it was a loss, he had a career night against Jokic, scoring 30 points and 13 rebounds with no Embiid, Maxey, Tobias, or Melton. Having games like that against a premier player like Jokic could get him a starting gig somewhere around the league.

    This goes without saying, but Embiid has been the other shining positive this year. He has just been so dominant in every game he’s played. By the way, he still has more points than minutes on the season. He is well on his way to be the first player since Wilt Chamberlain to do so, AND he is averaging more points per minute than Wilt did in 1961. What a phenomenal player.

    We’ll Have to Wait and See

    We can look at the history of the NBA seeding and talk about Embiid’s playoff woes all we want, but none of it means this will not be Embiid’s year. Continuing to play at this level will cause a lot of problems for teams in the playoffs. He will have to stay healthy, but the future looks bright for Embiid and the Sixers this year.

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    Collin Benjamin

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  • The Heart and Soul of Philadelphia’s Sports Fans – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    The Heart and Soul of Philadelphia’s Sports Fans – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, stands proudly as a city with the most passionate and die-hard sports fans in America.
    Beyond the often stereotyped rowdy behavior, there lies a community united by unparalleled love and loyalty for their teams. 

    The emotional connection runs deep, and the dedication of Philadelphia sports fans is legendary, spilling over into the world of betting and online gaming. As Philly sports enthusiasts embrace the thrill of live casino games, they find a new avenue to channel their passion. To discover the best live casino experiences in Pennsylvania for 2024, you can view more here.

    The Unmistakable Characteristics of True Philadelphia Sports Fans

    The city’s blue-collar attitude is a defining characteristic that has shaped the identity of its sports culture. Philadelphia is a town where hard work, grit, and determination are not just virtues; they are a way of life. This ethos extends seamlessly to the sports arena, where fans mirror the resilience of their beloved city. The dedication of Philadelphia sports enthusiasts is perhaps best exemplified by iconic figures like Brian Dawkins and Allen Iverson, whose tenacity and passion on the field resonated with the city’s spirit.

    Brian Dawkins, a former safety for the Philadelphia Eagles, is remembered not just for his stellar performances but also for the raw emotion he brought to each game. His intensity and unwavering commitment mirrored the city’s own ethos, making him a beloved figure among fans. 

     Photo: Damir Kopezhanov/Unsplash

    Similarly, Allen Iverson, a basketball icon who played for the Philadelphia 76ers, personified the city’s never-back-down attitude. His fearless approach and dedication to the game endeared him to the hearts of Philadelphia sports enthusiasts, forging an unbreakable bond between player and fans.

    Philadelphia sports fans eagerly anticipate key events that showcase their teams’ prowess. The Eagles’ training camp is a hallowed ground where fans can catch a glimpse of their favorite players preparing for the upcoming season. The excitement in the air is palpable as fans watch with bated breath, hopeful for a successful campaign.

    When the Flyers return to the ice, the city comes alive with the echoes of cheers reverberating through the streets. The fans’ passion for hockey is undeniable, and they rally behind their team with an energy that is infectious. The unity in the stands is a testament to the strong bond that connects the community through their shared love for the game.

    As the Sixers pursue success on the basketball court, Philadelphia fans eagerly await news of free-agent signings. The anticipation and speculation around player acquisitions add to the excitement and build the foundation for the upcoming season. It’s a time when the entire city is buzzing with enthusiasm, fueled by the hope that the roster changes will bring about a championship-worthy team.

    In Philadelphia, sports are not just a form of entertainment; they are a communal experience that binds the city together. The passionate and sometimes boisterous nature of Philadelphia sports fans is not merely a stereotype; it’s a reflection of the deep emotions and unwavering loyalty that define this remarkable community. Beyond the cheers and jeers, Philadelphia sports fans embody the heart and soul of a city that takes pride in its teams and stands by them through thick and thin.

    What Other Nations Can Learn from Philadelphia Sports Fans

    While the reputation of Philadelphia sports fans often precedes them, there’s much more to their fervor than meets the eye. Beneath the surface of their rowdy exterior lies a blueprint for sports fandom that other nations can learn from, enhancing the overall experience of supporting their teams.

    Passion Knows No Bounds

    Philadelphia sports fans exemplify an unmatched passion for their teams. Whether celebrating a victory or weathering a defeat, their dedication never wavers. Other nations can learn the importance of unwavering support, realizing that true fandom extends beyond the glory days and into the challenging times. Embracing the journey with resilience and enthusiasm strengthens the bond between fans and their teams.

    Community Engagement

    In Philadelphia, sports are not just a spectator sport but a communal experience. Fans gather in bars, homes, and stadiums, creating a sense of community that transcends individual differences.

    Other nations can emulate this by fostering a sports culture that brings people together, emphasizing the shared joy and camaraderie that sports can provide. This collective experience enhances the emotional connection fans feel with their teams.

    Identification with Players

    Philadelphia sports fans identify not only with the success of their teams but also with the players who embody the city’s spirit. The connection with figures like Brian Dawkins and Allen Iverson goes beyond their athletic achievements; it’s rooted in shared values and a sense of belonging. Other nations can encourage a deeper connection between fans and athletes, emphasizing the personal stories and characteristics that resonate with the local community.

    Anticipation and Hope

    The anticipation surrounding key events, such as training camps and free-agent signings, creates a sense of hope and excitement that permeates the entire city. Other nations can learn the value of maintaining optimism and enthusiasm, even in the face of uncertainties.

    The anticipation for upcoming seasons becomes a shared experience, fostering a positive outlook that enhances the overall enjoyment of sports.

    Respect for Tradition

    Philadelphia sports fans respect and celebrate the traditions of their teams. From the iconic Eagles’ fight song to the rituals associated with game day, these traditions create a sense of continuity and heritage. Other nations can appreciate the importance of preserving and honoring the traditions that make sports unique to their culture, reinforcing a sense of identity and continuity across generations.

    In essence, the heart and soul of Philadelphia’s sports fans lie in their ability to turn sports into a unifying force, a source of pride, and a shared experience that goes beyond wins and losses.
    Other nations aspiring to cultivate a rich sports culture can look to Philadelphia as a model, understanding that true fandom is a celebration of passion, community, and enduring loyalty.

    Photo: Larry Bridges Jr./Unsplash

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    PHLSportsNation

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  • Instant observations: Sixers’ defense falls flat in loss to Pacers

    Instant observations: Sixers’ defense falls flat in loss to Pacers

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    As the hysteria surrounding Joel Embiid’s epic 70-point performance on Monday night finally began to die down, the Sixers kickstarted a lengthy road trip Thursday night with a contest in Indiana against the new-look Pacers — minus superstar point guard Tyrese Halliburton. The Sixers dropped this one due to some significant defensive struggles, falling by a score of 134-122. Here is what stood out from the opener of the roadie:

    Sixers go small in Tobias Harris’ absence, enter short-handed

    Harris missed this one due to an illness, and with Marcus Morris Sr. also sidelined due to a foot injury, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse opted to go small with Patrick Beverley starting alongside Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre Jr., Nic Batum and Embiid. This allowed Maxey to spend a bit more time playing off the ball and being weaponized as a movement shooter, which can never hurt — though Maxey ultimately did not end up shooting the ball particularly well in this one. Additionally, the team’s lack of depth at the four allowed KJ Martin to receive extensive playing time.

    Nurse embraced the team’s lack of a traditional power forward against a team which just acquired an All-Star-caliber player — Pascal Siakam — at that position. He was able to do that because Embiid and Batum are both more than viable options to defend a player like Siakam. Embiid has an extensive history of defending him admirably, and Nurse trusts Batum to take on just about any assignment. Even though the Sixers’ defense was ineffective for much of this contest, the thought process behind the decisions was sound.

    Harris and Morris were not the only Sixers missing, though. De’Anthony Melton, Robert Covington and Mo Bamba all missed this one as well. That meant regular run for not just Martin, but fellow rotation outsider Jaden Springer, who has not seen consistent playing time since the very early portion of the regular season. Danuel House Jr., who briefly found himself out of the rotation just a few weeks ago, has recently been receiving as much playing time off the bench as anybody. That trend continued in this one.

    Scouting a potential trade target

    Despite the exciting season they are having, the Pacers remain expected to listen carefully to any and all trade offers for sharpshooter Buddy Hield, whose contract is expiring. Hield and the Pacers have routinely seemed to be far apart in contract negotiations, making it appear as if this will be his final season in Indiana.

    The name of Hield’s game remains three-point shooting. But it goes beyond that: Hield is not just a very good three-point shooter — he is, statistically speaking, one of the very best shooters from beyond the arc in the history of the NBA. For his career, Hield is shooting over 40 percent on triples, and he is doing so on massive volume: 7.7 three-point tries per game. Hield’s volume has been as high as north of 10 attempts per game in the past. His blend of accuracy and versatility as a shooter is only matched by the Stephen Currys and Klay Thompsons of the world.

    Hield would give the Sixers a massive boost on offense, of course, even if he does not contribute much on the defensive end of the floor. But beyond the raw value of his shots, he would allow Nurse to unlock previously-unused sections of his offensive playbook. Nurse could utilize Hield’s outstanding skill when it comes to shooting on the move, as well as what would surely be a dominant two-man game between Hield and Embiid. 

    If the Pacers really do go through with moving on from Hield in the next two weeks, the Sixers should be working the phones to see if they can add the sniper extraordinaire.

    Sixers struggle to defend in transition

    The short-handed Sixers struggled all night long to defend Indiana’s high-powered offense, which is even formidable without its floor general in Haliburton being available. The Pacers turn every game into the ultimate track meet, pushing the pace and playing with as fast of a tempo as they can. Several times during a game, it generates easy transition baskets — even following opposing makes.

    One of the beautiful parts of Tyrese Maxey’s game is that as soon as he has the ball, the defense must act as if they are defending in transition. The Pacers’ collective psyche as an offense forces the same situation onto opposing defenses. As soon as they have the ball — again, even after made shots — they pose a major threat. The Sixers struggled to internalize that on a possession-by-possession basis.

    Three-point shooting difference burns Sixers

    The Pacers entered this contest top five in the NBA in team three-point percentage, and that figure will only go up after this one. They were consistently generating great looks from beyond the arc and knocking down those shots at an impressive rate. The Sixers did not necessarily fail to create good looks for themselves, but they simply could not knock anything down. The most noteworthy struggles belonged to Maxey, whose three-point shooting in recent games has been excellent aside from one tough showing.

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    Adam Aaronson

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  • Allen Iverson’s medical marijuana products to be sold at RISE dispensaries in Pennsylvania this fall – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

    Allen Iverson’s medical marijuana products to be sold at RISE dispensaries in Pennsylvania this fall – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

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    Allen Iverson’s impact on the game of basketball is well-documented, and the former NBA MVP is still lauded as one of the most influential players 13 years after his last game. The Answer, as he is affectionately known, also has a cultural influence that extends into his business ventures. 

    This fall, Iverson’s two cannabis strains with Viola Brands, the marijuana company founded by former NBA player Al Harrington, will be sold in Pennsylvania. Beginning Sept. 2, the strains can be purchased by customers with legal medical cannabis cards.

    Iverson’s two marijuana strains are Iverson ’96 and Iverson ’01, which commemorate the year the Sixers drafted him first overall and the year he won MVP while taking the team to the NBA Finals, respectively. The first strain debuted in 2021 and the second in 2022. 

    The Sept. 2 Pennsylvania launch coincides with Harrington and Iverson coming to Kensington’s newly opened RISE location (3903 Aramingo Ave.) for a meet-and-greet with prizes and merchandise, the Philadelphia Business Journal reported. 

    USDA Certified Organic Tinctures and salves

    Iverson and Harrington became business partners in 2021. 

    “After seeing how devoted (Al) is to this business, and him educating me on how beneficial the plant is, it just felt right. I’m excited to be a part of it. Together, we’re going to change the game,” Iverson said at the time. 

    Harrington started Viola in 2011 while still playing in the NBA. The company is named after his grandmother, whom he convinced to try smoking marijuana for…

    Original Author Link click here to read complete story..

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    MMP News Author

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